O'Neill calls on Petrov

Martin O'Neill has praised Stilian Petrov after the midfielder received a standing ovation after throwing in a man of the match performance during Aston Villa's 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Premiership last weekend.

O'Neill said: "Stiliyan got a great reception because he played very well. I was pleased for him because the last time he played at Villa Park, I took him off at half-time against Newcastle.

"His confidence was at a really low ebb then. He had to come back here and battle through that. He knew that. I'm aware of what he is capable of doing – that is why I signed him – but it is something the Villa fans have seen all too seldom. It is up to him. He is capable of producing that. I am really pleased for him. He will be pleased with himself because he can play like that and he was excellent."

O'Neill added: "I thought last week at Old Trafford there were signs when he didn't do too badly in the game but against Bolton was a big, big day for him. I think he was up for it which was obvious from his performance and by half-time his confidence was really high."